When distractions don't work, what else can I try to prevent self-harm?

Try to see the good things in life, or speak with someone that makes you feel comfortable. Talk to them and let them listen. That helps me a lot!

Things that can almost mimick self harm without actually harming you: - putting ice on your skin - holding your hand under a freezing cold tap - drawing on your skin with a red marker/ paint - the butterfly project - wear an elastic band around your wrist, pull it and snap it at your skin - place plasticine over your arm and gently cut into it - chew on ginger root/a pepper - clap your hands until they sting - take a hot shower/cold bath - massage the area you want to harm That was all I could think of for now, take care!

Talk to a friend or family member. Do not isolate yourself.

splatter paint break sticks write out the lyrics to your favourite song re-organise your room count the ceiling lights or tiles remember a happy moment and relive it in your head run and jump onto an empty plastic soda bottle light a candle and watch the flame draw something beautiful on your body where you would normally harm and give it a name (the butterfly project)

I think this is one of those questions where you can ask 100 people and get 100 different answers. For me, it was a video game, or trying to answer as many posts on a forum as possible. Working out, running and being around other people worked for me as well.

this depends on why you are self harming. if trying to punish yourself, then speak to someone who will help you realise that you don't deserve this. if trying to numb emotional pain, then find other, more positive methods like meditation or mindfulness. if feeling numb due to trauma or something else, then try less harmful methods like keeping your hand in ice or rubber bands. self reflection and self control, along with help from someone else will find you a personalised path to recovery.

When distractions don't work, there are multiple things you can do to prevent self-harm. You can try talking to a friend, or family member or someone you trust, or seek profession help. Or you can write down your feelings and try to understand your feelings and how you can help yourself feel better. Watching youtube videos or reading self help articles online can also help. Another idea is chatting to people online on websites like 7 cups or apps like Talklife, that way you can share your feelings without being judged and gain a positive and helpful out look.

Talk to people. It may be hard, and I understand that, however if others in your life know of this issue, then they can help fix it. You have to remember that just talking really does help. You are the expert on yourself, and sometimes distractions just don't work. That is okey dokey, because they don't work for everyone. Something that can help is getting rid of objects you use to hurt yourself, but also getting rid of the things that make you want to hurt yourself. You have to think of the bigger picture, self-harm is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. Always remember that.